Friday, July 28, 2017
Sleeping with the Chicken
All that fetching and chasing after balls with weasels has tuckered out this furry pal. While I was drawing in my bedroom, I caught Marly napping with three of his "choix du jour" toys: Poulet the chicken (Marly was using it as a pillow), Squirrel, and Weasel (a furry tail-like creature attached to a motorized ball).
Gotta be quick! Just moments after I snapped the first picture, Marly awoke and slumber party was over.
Friday, July 21, 2017
Statuary of the Wisconsin State Capitol
For those willing to walk up the winding stairway to the base of the domed area of the capitol building, some additional artistic creations await. As you circumnavigate the observation deck, you will notice four groups of statuary made from Bethel White Vermont granite. Completed between 1911 and 1915, they were carved by American master sculptor, Karl Bitter. The sculptures are arranged in pyramidal groups of three, with the central figure standing on a raised base and about 12 feet high. On each side of are seated figures, each about 5 feet high. Each group are meant to symbolize characteristics of Wisconsin and its citizens.
Overlooking East Washington Avenue is the group representing Knowledge. The seated figures, representing the inherited knowledge base, conduct research in scrolls/books. The central figure, reminding me of Michelangelo's male sculptures, is depicted as one who contemplates the significance of the world. He builds upon his own studies with past historians who have recorded their observations and experiences. Religious faith and knowledge is also emphasized here, along with worldly insight.
Overlooking Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is the group representing "Faith" - an aspect that Bitter saw as an important in the lives of Wisconsin citizens. These female figures bow their heads in humility and obedience, revering a higher power and respecting the civil law. Love, charity, and strength are also exuded by this trio.
This group of figures, facing the northwest direction towards Washington Avenue, signifies Prosperity and Abundance. As the second group of all-females. they are shown with symbols such as an overflowing vase of fruit and cornucopias of plenty. The standing figure extends her hand as if to give to others. This sculptural set emphasizes the rich farmland of the state, along with industrial and natural resources. Such abundance benefits the citizens and its government.
Strength is what the trio facing the West Washington Avenue embodies. The central figure holds a shield and sword, signifying his readiness to defend his country. One of the seated figures is very muscular, conveying physical strength and endurance. The other figure, although also muscular, is blind, emphasizing that the service and defence requires more than just brute strength; it also requires insightful, knowledgeable individuals.
Resource: Wisconsin State Capitol Guide and History
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Caught in the Act
Having a puppy around, you never know what surprises you might find.
No need to look into Marly's mouth; the carnage around is reminder enough that chewing is one of Marly's favorite pastimes. (Fetching is #1).
Needless to say, I had to do a little "surgery" on a few critters.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
Artwork: Tending the Sheep - Dougga, Tunisia
Tending Sheep by the Roman Ruins
Color pencil
Dougga, Tunisia
My latest artwork is of a shepherd tending sheep by the ancient Roman city of Dougga, Tunisia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Note the large carved stones scattered throughout. It was not uncommon to see shepherds and their sheep meandering through the ruins.
Monday, June 26, 2017
Liberty and the Branches
Right below the rotunda, one can find four beautiful mosaics. Made by Kenyon Cox, Liberty and the branches of government are represented. Each measures about 28x20' and contains about 10,000 pieces of glass. The tiny hand-cut pieces are made from many different types of glass, including opaque, colored, shiny, and matte, with backings of aluminum and copper. Considered some of the finest glass mosaics in the world, the varied glass types create a strong dimensional effect.
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| Liberty mosaic |
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| Justice mosaic |
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| Justice mosaic (detail) |
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| Legislation mosaic |
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| Government mosaic |
See more of my photos from the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison
Friday, June 23, 2017
Madison State Capitol Dome interior through Different Lenses
As part of a photowalk with a featured guest photographer, we spent most of our time in the Madison State Capitol. It was the first time for Olympus Trailblazer photographer Frank T Smith to visit the city and its magnificent landmark. Like others who come to visit, Smith was impressed by its beauty and attention to detail. For the next few hours, we explored the interior and observation deck, seeking photographic inspiration.
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| Photographed with my 12-50mm lens (24-100mm equivalent) |
The ornamental frame surrounding the central dome glimmered in the sunlight, setting off the swirling 34 foot mural. Painted in 1912 by Edwin Blashfield, "Resources of Wisconsin" features twelve women holding products of Wisconsin such as tobacco, wheat, and lead.
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| 8mm fish-eye lens |
As it was an event sponsored by Olympus, the company provided a camera body and lens for people to test out. I had a chance to try out a wide angle lens (7-14mm). I also got a chance to take a few shots with Frank's fisheye 8mm lens. It was fun to try the lens out, but not something I'd go right out and buy.
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| 7-14mm lens |
It was fun seeing how different lenses could render different views of the same subject.
See more photos of the State Capitol on my Flickr page.
Saturday, June 03, 2017
Thursday, June 01, 2017
Block Printing of India
A video shared by my friend reminded me of why I love the textiles of India so much. Each step reveals the artistry and intricacy that is so lovingly performed.
The textile lover that I am, the Anokhi Museum in Jaipur was a perfect place to visit when in the Pink City. Along with informative displays on the history of block printing in India, they had a few craftsmen doing demonstrations.
I especially enjoyed watching the man carving the wood block. It amazed me how such intricate, narrow lines could be formed by such simple tools. Each stroke was made with confident precision. Definitely not a beginner piece!
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| Holding up a finished block |
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| Floral block detail with chisels |
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| Three blocks that are needed to form one print. Precision is needed for both the carving and in alignment of the inked blocks. |
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| Printing on a small handkerchief cloth |
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| Stamping on a resist (in Gujarat, India) In addition to printing with multiple blocks, a resist might be added, the cloth immersed in a dye bath, and the cloth washed, dried, and re-printed multiple times. So next time you see a hand-printed piece of fabric, you'll appreciate the artistry and understand why it is more expensive than that commercial knock-off. |
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
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